Cholesterol Advice

Usually a cholesterol screening test is sufficient to give you figures for total cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol, and triglycerides. However, in few cases further tests are carried out to ascertain a detailed report of levels. HDL-Cholesterol is considered to be a good type of cholesterol. It helps filter extra cholesterol out of the body by taking it to the liver. Hence, the higher the level of HDL-Cholesterol in your body the better it would be for your health. The level of HDL-Cholesterol in your body can be known with the help of an HDL-Cholesterol test .

Going for the test

Step 1: Usually a cholesterol screening test is sufficient to give you the figures for total cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol, and triglycerides in your body. However, in few cases further tests are carried out in order to ascertain a detailed report of levels of different type of cholesterol.

Step 2: Get prepared for the test. This is important as a simple thing such as eating a meal comprised of fat and cholesterol food can jeopardise the results of the test. Hence, do not eat anything before twelve hours of the test. Also, drink only water to quench your thrust. This would stabilize cholesterol levels in your body.

Step 3: Collect a 5 millilitre sample of blood from either your finger or from the veins in your arm. Get it evaluated and watch out for the result (it would be a numerical figure indicated in mmol/L(millimoles per litre)).

Step 4: Once the results are in your hand, compare it with the following list to find out the level of risk posed to your health. Note: The higher the level of HDL-Cholesterol, the better for you.

* Less than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) for men and less than 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) for women- An increased risk of heart disease.

* In between 40 to 50 mg/dL (1.0-1.3 mmol/L) for men and in between 50 to 59 mg/dl (1.3-1.5 mmol/L) for women- An average risk of developing heart ailments.

* Equal to or more than 60 mg/dL (1.55 mmol/L) - No risk of heart disease.

Step 5: Now that you know the level of HDL-Cholesterol in your blood it becomes imperative to take it to the optimal level. In order to do so, you need to do the following:

* Maintain a healthy weight: Yes, you have heard it right. In order to have higher levels of HDL-Cholesterol, it is better to have a specific weight according to height and age.

* Quit smoking: Smoking reduces the level of HDL-Cholesterol. Hence, stop it as quickly as possible.

* Limit alcohol consumption: Drink alcohol only in a specified amount- 12 ounces of beer and 5 ounces of wine.

* Eat healthy fats: Eat less of saturated fats and Trans fats.

* Do some physical exercise: In order to improve your HDL-Cholesterol levels, it is imperative that you do some physical exercise on a regular basis.